Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions has requested the Speaker of Parliament to fast track the special bill on local council elections in order to resolve the legal issues faced by civil servants contesting in the elections.
The committee held discussions on the issues faced by civil servants contesting in the local council elections, who were suspended 30 days before the date elections were scheduled to be held. Following the indefinite postponement of the elections due to the developing situation of COVID-19 in the Maldives, the suspended civil servants are facing an indefinite period under suspension.
During the discussions, the difficulties faced by the suspended civil servants were discussed, with emphasis on their ineligibility to receive salary or benefits during the suspension. The committee noted extending their suspension while the council elections are put on hold deprives them of basic rights ensured under the Employment Act. The committee submitted a request to the speaker to fast track the special bill on local council elections in order to provide a legislative solution to the problem.
Meanwhile, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has decided to submit a court case to resolve the issues faced by the suspended civil servants.